The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1887-01-07

''Thank you very much. returned
botn the girls, rs they started on their
walk. the elder leading the way. and
the other following with tho little lunch
basket
The fresh. ozone-laden spring-time
air, the wild purple verbenas, and the
tall blue spikes of lark-spur. by the
roadside; tho blackbirds lrilling and
Tutoring in the branches overhead,
and now and then grey squirrel with
a bushy tail. running nlmbly up the
trunk OF some great tree, and peeping
coyly at them from his leafy retreat;
all formed novel and charming ex-
perience.
Here is the road going to tho right"
cried Dora, at last
''How green and grassy it is. 1t
doesn't seem to have been travelled
much," replied Nab.
Tho road-because, perhaps, of not
bcing much traveled-was an unusually
pleasant one, with the trees arching
overhead. and the sunlight sitting
through in threads of tangled gold.
''There it is" cried Nab. as they
came in sight of substantial brown
farmhouse. shaded by elms and oaks
that stood on green lawn short dis
lance ahead. 'And only see. Dora. a
big walnut right by the front gate! How
picturesque it is!'
Hurylng to the house. now more
eager than ever. they crossed the wide
porch. festooned with honeysuckles and
purple-fowered wistarla vines. Here
Nab seized the front door knob. but, to
her CONSERVATION it was locked.
'Oh, Dora! we forgot to ask Lawyer
Person for the key" she cried regret
fully. "And it's locked"
''Dear me! what shall we doP" asked
Dora. looking Respondent.
But Nab, always fertile in resources,
few to the back door, which, to her
delight, yielded with u touch; and the
girls were SOON inside the roomy kit
chen.
"How nice and neat il all is" said
Nab; ''and n real 'old-fashioned dress
er. Dora, full of dishes, too
'And just look at the pantryr' re-
turned Dora, exultantly; $50 nice and
light, and such wide shelves. It's
splendid"
''And cupboard full of dry fire.
wood" calculated Nab, fairly dancing
around. such was her delight Lets
get some dinner, do--Pm as hungry as
raven; and then we'll explore round.
I'll make q fire and cook the steak,
while you set the table and make some
tea," and taking an apron from the
lunch-basket, Nab tied it around her
trim waist and proceeded to kindle
fire in the big cooking-stove, while
Dora drew out tho old-fashioned dining
table and spread on it the Turkey-red
table-cloth which they had brought with
them.
'Givc ME IN onion. do; saw some in
tho pantry" said Nab. rs she put the
steak in a large iron skillet, which
hung on tho wall. and placed it over
the glowing fire. "Steak is ever so
much nicer favored with little on
ion."
Dora brought tho onion, and also
jar Of something, which she had found
on the pantry-shelf.
Timed peaches!' she announced,
triumphantly, after inspecting the label.
II am going to open 'em, Nab, and
put some on the table; they'll be nice
with our pickles and cheese"
80 they WILL" said Nab, turning her
steak.
The table was already set, and Nab
was dishing up the steak, when step
at the kitchen door arrested their attcn.
ton. "a
Looking up simultaneously, they be-
held tall young man on the threshold.
looking at them curiously, and with
little amusement
Nab it was who was the first to
speak.
visit sirp" sho demanded with dignity.
''Visitp" .he echoed, looking straight
ut Nab. with evident admiration of her
spirit "Well, / hardly call it visit,
to come into my own house."
Your housed" cried Nab, with some
asperity. .Why, this is our house, sir;
ours, / sayl We have Uncle Reuben's
will giving it to us, here in this bas-
ket."
'.Excusc me-" returned the young
man, with an amused smile; "but l
don't see how your Uncle Reuben, OF
anybody else, could give you my prop
crty, when have never sold it."
"But--but isn't this whore Mr.. Reuben
Boyton livedp" 1t was Dora who now
spokc-falteringly and doubtfully, for
she began to fear that they had made
mistake.
"No, miss" returned the young man,
respectfully, turning to her; ''Mr Boy
tons house is further along on the next
Wad. My name is Borthwick. My
mother is dead. my sisters married, and
l live a bachelor-life here by myself.
You can easily find out that am not
dccciving you. if you'll ask any of the
neighbors,"
"Oh, my!' cried Nab, clasping her
hands.
"We've made mistake" sighed
Dora, "and we beg your pardon. What
will you think of us for taking posses
sion of your houseP"
land we've cooked your onion, and
opened a tin of peaches" confessed
Nab, in accents of wild remorse, '.and
burnt up all your nice firewood."
Their host broke into hearty laugh.
Never mind; you are entirely well
come to it all, and more too" he said.